In many places, December signals deep dormancy for most plants—but in milder regions, winter doesn’t arrive with the same intensity. Temperatures stay higher, frosts are lighter, and growth slows rather than stops.
This creates a rare, short pruning window—a period
when plants are dormant enough to handle pruning without stress, yet the
weather is still warm enough to work comfortably outside.
For gardeners in mild climates, December is the perfect
month to sharpen your tools, shape your landscape, and set your trees and
shrubs up for stronger, healthier growth in spring.
Here are 7 important trees and shrubs that benefit
from timely December pruning.
1. Roses (Shrub, Hybrid Tea, and Climbing Roses)
December is ideal for giving roses their first winter cut
in warm regions.
Why Prune Now
- Removes
diseased or damaged wood
- Improves
airflow to reduce pests
- Prepares
the plant for heavy pruning later in late winter
How to Prune
- Remove
weak or crossing stems
- Shorten
long, leggy canes to prevent wind damage
- For
climbers, tie new canes horizontally to encourage more flowering points
2. Figs
Fig trees respond extremely well to pruning during early dormancy.
Why Prune Now
- Encourages
better fruiting wood
- Controls
size and keeps trees manageable
- Reduces
risk of unnecessary winter damage
How to Prune
- Remove
inward-growing branches
- Cut
out dead or weak stems
- Maintain
an open, vase-shaped structure
3. Pomegranate
Pomegranates thrive with strategic winter shaping.
Why Prune Now
- Improves
sunlight penetration
- Strengthens
fruit-bearing branches
- Keeps
bushes tidy and productive
How to Prune
- Remove
suckers growing from the base
- Cut
out crossing or overcrowded stems
- Aim
for a strong, balanced framework of 3–5 main branches
4. Hydrangea Paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)
Unlike bigleaf hydrangeas, H. paniculata blooms on new
wood, making winter pruning safe.
Why Prune Now
- Stimulates
bigger blooms in summer
- Prevents
the shrub from becoming too woody
- Encourages
fresh, vigorous growth
How to Prune
- Cut
back stems by one-third
- Remove
old flower heads
- Thin
out old, heavy branches
5. Crepe Myrtle
These beauties benefit hugely from a careful winter trim.
Why Prune Now
- Encourages
more blooms
- Shapes
the tree for symmetry
- Removes
suckers and unwanted shoots
How to Prune
- Remove
crossing branches
- Trim
away small twiggy growth on the trunk
- Avoid
“topping”—focus on thinning, not shortening the canopy
6. Olives
Olive trees love mild-winter climates, and early winter is a
valuable time to prune.
Why Prune Now
- Prevents
overcrowded branching
- Improves
fruiting potential
- Reduces
fungal issues by improving airflow
How to Prune
- Remove
water sprouts and suckers
- Thin
the canopy to allow light penetration
- Keep
a balanced, open center for airflow
7. Bay Laurel
Bay laurel grows vigorously in warmer regions and benefits
from seasonal shaping.
Why Prune Now
- Maintains
manageable size
- Encourages
dense, bushy growth
- Improves
overall plant health
How to Prune
- Lightly
shape the outer canopy
- Remove
any damaged or diseased leaves
- Trim
long shoots to maintain form
General December Pruning Tips for Mild Regions
✔ Choose a dry, cool day
This reduces the risk of disease entering fresh cuts.
✔ Always sterilize tools
Prevents the spread of fungal infections.
✔ Avoid heavy pruning on
frost-sensitive plants
Save major cuts for late winter.
✔ Know your plant’s blooming
cycle
Plants that flower on old wood should not be pruned
now.
✔ Mulch after pruning
A light layer protects roots, conserves moisture, and
reduces stress.
Why December Pruning Matters
For gardeners in mild regions, missing this short window can
mean:
- crowded,
weak spring growth
- reduced
flowering or fruiting
- more
pest and disease issues
- overgrown
or unbalanced shrubs and trees
Taking time to prune now ensures your garden enters spring
with stronger structure, better health, and more abundant blooms.
Final Thoughts
December offers a valuable, often overlooked opportunity for
gardeners in warm climates. By giving attention to key trees and shrubs—such as
roses, figs, olive trees, hydrangeas, and more—you set the stage for a vibrant,
productive garden in the months ahead.
This is your moment to shape, strengthen, and rejuvenate
your landscape before the burst of spring growth returns.
References
- Royal
Horticultural Society (RHS) – Pruning Trees & Shrubs
Offers seasonal pruning guidelines, plant-specific timing, and techniques for roses, hydrangeas, figs, bay laurel, and ornamental trees. - University
of California Agriculture & Natural Resources (UC ANR) – Fruit
Tree Pruning Guides
Provides detailed recommendations for pruning figs, pomegranates, olives, and other fruiting trees in warm climates. - University
of Florida IFAS Extension – Pruning Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Includes information on pruning cycles, timing, and proper methods for plants grown in mild-winter regions. - Clemson
University Cooperative Extension – Pruning Shrubs
Covers principles of maintenance pruning, hydrangea species care, and timing for shrubs that bloom on new wood. - Missouri
Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Plant-Specific Growing Information
Offers background information and care needs for crepe myrtle, bay laurel, hydrangeas, and roses. - Texas
A&M AgriLife Extension – Pruning Fruit & Ornamental Trees
Specialized guidance on pruning heat- and drought-tolerant trees common in mild climates, including figs and olives.
